There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and orange filling your kitchen on a slow morning. This No-Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread with Orange Zest is the kind of rustic loaf that makes you want to put the kettle on, slice off a thick piece, and let butter melt right into it. With chewy raisins, warm spices, and a hint of citrus, this bread is shockingly easy to make and deeply comforting to eat.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came to life one weekend when I was craving something cozy and nostalgic but didn’t want to spend hours kneading dough. I tossed a few pantry staples in a bowl, let time do the work, and added a twist of orange zest to brighten things up. The result was a tender, beautifully spiced loaf that felt like home. It’s become my go-to for weekend baking, especially when guests are coming over or I just need something warm and familiar.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

No-knead bread first became popular thanks to New York baker Jim Lahey, who revolutionized home baking with a method that skips the kneading entirely. Instead, time and hydration build the structure of the dough. Cinnamon raisin bread itself is an old classic, beloved for breakfast and toast. The addition of orange zest gives it a fresh, slightly Mediterranean twist that pairs beautifully with the warm spice and sweetness.

Why You’ll Love No-Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread With Orange Zest

This loaf is simple to make but packed with flavor and texture.

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or served with tea or coffee.

Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry ingredients with big results.

Quick and Easy: Minimal effort thanks to the no-knead method.

Customizable: Add nuts, swap raisins, or change up the spice.

Crowd-Pleasing: Warm, soft, and aromatic—who doesn’t love homemade bread?

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough the night before for fresh bread in the morning.

Great for Leftovers: Toasted slices make heavenly French toast or snacking bread.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

This bread is low-effort but a few tricks can make it shine.

Use lukewarm water to activate the yeast just right—too hot will kill it.
Soak the raisins briefly in warm water or orange juice for extra plumpness.
Let the dough rest long enough to develop flavor and rise fully.
Bake in a Dutch oven if possible for a crisp crust and tender center.
Dust the top with flour before baking for that rustic, bakery look.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much, just a few reliable tools.

Mixing Bowl: Large enough to let the dough rise and expand overnight.

Dutch Oven or Heavy Oven-Safe Pot: Traps steam for a beautiful crust.

Parchment Paper: Makes transferring and cleanup a breeze.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise proportions.

Wooden Spoon or Dough Scraper: For mixing the sticky dough with ease.

Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap: To cover the bowl during proofing.

Ingredients in No-Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread With Orange Zest

Each simple ingredient brings something special to the loaf. Here’s the full lineup:

All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups. The structure and base of the bread.
Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Active Dry Yeast: ½ teaspoon. Gives the bread its rise and lightness.
Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon. Adds warmth and cozy spice.
Raisins: 1 cup. Brings sweetness and chewy texture.
Fresh Orange Zest: 1–2 teaspoons. Adds brightness and a citrusy twist.
Lukewarm Water: 1 ½ cups (105°F–115°F). Hydrates the dough and activates the yeast.
Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Sweetens the bread and complements the cinnamon.

Ingredient Substitutions

Switch it up if you like, this recipe is flexible.

All-Purpose Flour: Use bread flour for a chewier texture.

Raisins: Swap with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dates.

Orange Zest: Lemon zest or dried orange peel will work too.

Brown Sugar: Use white sugar or maple syrup in a pinch.

Active Dry Yeast: Instant yeast can be substituted using the same amount.

Ingredient Spotlight

Raisins: These dried grapes soak up moisture during baking and add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. Try golden raisins for a lighter color and slightly tangier flavor.

Orange Zest: Just a teaspoon or two brings a bright, citrusy note that lifts the entire loaf and balances the richness of the cinnamon and sugar.

Instructions for Making No-Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread With Orange Zest

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s how to make it:

Preheat Your Equipment:
If baking the same day, preheat your oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. If making overnight, skip this step until the next day.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt, yeast, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Add the raisins and orange zest, mixing to distribute evenly.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Add lukewarm water to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until you get a shaggy, sticky dough. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
Assemble the Dish:
Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, until it’s bubbly and doubled in size. When ready to bake, turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a round.
Cook to Perfection:
Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and transfer into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the crust is deep golden.
Finishing Touches:
Let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the crumb to set and prevents sogginess.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve warm with butter, honey, or a touch of cream cheese. It’s perfect with coffee or tea.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This bread has a soft, moist interior loaded with bursts of raisins and a hint of orange that lingers on the tongue. The crust is crackly and golden, giving way to the warm, cinnamon-laced crumb inside. Each bite is sweet, spicy, and just the right amount of rustic.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Take your bread to the next level with these helpful tips:

Cover the dough tightly to keep moisture in during the rise.
If your raisins are dry, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 5–10 minutes.
For a shiny crust, brush the hot loaf with melted butter after baking.
Use a sharp serrated knife for clean slices.

What to Avoid

Even simple bread can have a few missteps. Avoid these common issues:

Don’t skip the long rise—the flavor depends on it.
Avoid too much flour during shaping or it can become dry.
Don’t slice the bread while it’s hot—it will collapse or get gummy.
Don’t rush the preheat—Dutch ovens need to be fully hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 210
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 13 hours (including overnight rise)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This bread is perfect for making ahead. Mix the dough in the evening, let it rise overnight, and bake fresh in the morning. Store leftovers in a bread bag or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze sliced portions for quick toasting later—just wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag.

How to Serve No-Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread With Orange Zest

Serve this bread toasted with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite jam. It’s also perfect for French toast or bread pudding. For a special touch, pair it with spiced apple butter or cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers don’t have to feel secondhand. Try these ideas:

Make cinnamon raisin French toast topped with maple syrup.
Cube and toast into croutons for a sweet salad topping.
Use it in a breakfast strata or bread pudding.
Make a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Additional Tips

Zest your orange directly over the bowl so you catch the fragrant oils.
Use a kitchen scale for flour if you have one—it ensures perfect hydration.
Let the bread rest uncovered if storing overnight to keep the crust crisp.

Make It a Showstopper

Dust the top of the dough with a little flour and score it with a knife before baking for that artisan look. Serve on a wooden board with whipped butter and fresh orange slices for a cozy, bakery-style presentation.

Variations to Try

Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
Spicy Version: Mix in cardamom or ginger with the cinnamon.
Chocolate Raisin: Replace some raisins with dark chocolate chips.
Whole Wheat: Swap 1 cup of the flour for whole wheat.
Maple Orange: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
A1: Yes, use the same amount—just mix it directly into the flour.

Q2: Do I need a Dutch oven?
A2: It’s best for crust, but an oven-safe pot with a lid will work.

Q3: How do I know when the bread is done?
A3: Tap the bottom—it should sound hollow and feel firm.

Q4: Can I bake it the same day?
A4: A shorter 4-hour rise works, but longer gives better flavor.

Q5: What kind of raisins should I use?
A5: Regular or golden both work. You can even mix them!

Q6: Can I add nuts to this bread?
A6: Absolutely—walnuts or pecans are great additions.

Q7: How do I store it without losing the crust?
A7: Wrap in foil or store in a paper bag at room temperature.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, but divide into two loaves for even baking.

Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: You can try with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.

Q10: Can I use orange juice instead of zest?
A10: Zest gives more flavor, but a splash of juice can help if needed.

Conclusion

This No-Knead Cinnamon Raisin Bread with Orange Zest is the ultimate cozy loaf. It’s low-effort, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying to bake and eat. Trust me, once you’ve had a slice warm from the oven, you’ll be baking this on repeat.